L.A. Parker - Good Points

Yesterday, L.A. made some excellent points in his column.  He wrote about the various teen organizations that raise funds by, "tagging."  Minister Ingraham supports these efforts; L.A. does not, and neither do I.  My prime objection is the danger involved.  Then there is the question (s).  Who is this group?  Who is organizing it?  How is the money collected used?  A few months ago, one of these groups approached a local civic organization asking for a donation of, I believe, $500.00.  The members were willing to donate but got nervous after the representative could not answer basic questions like, (1)  What is your annual budget?  (2)  How many kids are involved?  (3)  Are you an all volunteer or do you have paid staff?  The organization made a small gift, and the representative promised to gather the requested info and come back.  It never happened.  So, if this group (these groups) really want to raise money, have a real fundraiser - put on a show somewhere - sell tickets to the show.  Make yourselves available as entertainment for retirement parties, birthday parties, annual meetings, etc.  One of the reasons we are in the mess we are in is because of this, "gimme," mentality.  The theory that one deserves something (everything) simply because one exists.  No so.